Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: Nij48 on June 20, 2013, 21:59

Title: What to put with Silkies?
Post by: Nij48 on June 20, 2013, 21:59

Hi there, currently I have two silkies on the way and want to add to them possibly two more small birds (was thinking quail - but have been advised this is a bad idea, but thats the kinda size I was thinking).
Would like decant and regular egg layers also.

Any advise would be appreciated.....many thanks in advance, Nij

Title: Re: What to put with Silkies?
Post by: Sassy on June 21, 2013, 08:34

You can mix any other breed of chooks with your Silkies. Definitely do not recommend quail, they may well get killed! Look at breeds such as Light Sussex for good egg laying ability, they come in bantam as well which may suit your size requirements better :)

Title: Re: What to put with Silkies?
Post by: Nij48 on June 21, 2013, 10:02

Thank you :)
I will keep you updated :)

Title: Re: What to put with Silkies?
Post by: Jo57 on June 21, 2013, 23:13

I have two silkie hens who do my broody work. They live happily with a light sussex, 4 sabelpoots (2 boys 2 girls) 3 adolescent pekins (1 boy 2 girls) and two mixed chicks too young to speculate. Hours of amusement for me and all seems well in the garden.

Title: Re: What to put with Silkies?
Post by: Nij48 on June 21, 2013, 23:45

Quote from: Jo57 on June 21, 2013, 23:13

I have two silkie hens who do my broody work. They live happily with a light sussex, 4 sabelpoots (2 boys 2 girls) 3 adolescent pekins (1 boy 2 girls) and two mixed chicks too young to speculate. Hours of amusement for me and all seems well in the garden.

Cheers for the info, whats a sabelpoot?
Which would you say are smallest out of the chooks you have?

Title: Re: What to put with Silkies?
Post by: Oakdalebirds1 on June 22, 2013, 05:43

Hi Nij48 , i would recommend looking on google at different poultry breeds , omlet is also good as is the breeders directory on this site . Research different hens to see what will suit and then ask on here for feedback or the breeder.

good luck

Title: Re: What to put with Silkies?
Post by: ehs284 on June 22, 2013, 15:36

Not Quail! They don't mix with any other birds.
The good news? We had two Silkies suddenly given and we had to introduce them one night to Warrens and Blackrocks. This was because the fox had eaten the rest of their flock and we had no other place for them. They settled immediately and we had no problems. They lived happily together for years until both Silkies died of old age in their sleep. BTW they loved human company, but could be very strong willed and would insist on helping with car repairs, soldering.. you name it. Lovely birds.

Title: Re: What to put with Silkies?
Post by: Jo57 on June 22, 2013, 17:31

Sabelpoots are small, friendly and mine lay well. They  have feathered legs which means they don't do too much damage in the garden. The pekins are small too.

Title: Re: What to put with Silkies?
Post by: Nij48 on June 22, 2013, 18:16

Quote from: Jo57 on June 22, 2013, 17:31

Sabelpoots are small, friendly and mine lay well. They  have feathered legs which means they don't do too much damage in the garden. The pekins are small too.

Cheers Jo - will keep a look out :)